Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Okay, so I have been a major slacker over the last 5 days and it has all caught up to me. I have had a re-occuring knee and hip problem that has hindered my speed on my runs for about 2 weeks now and it left me kinda drained and as a result I was unable to get motivated to run this past weekend in San Diego where I was taking a short vacation. It was a very unfortunate decision because the San Diego coast is ridiculously beautiful especially Torrey Pines with its rugged, rolling cliffs, dotted with gnarled pines. Oh well, I was able to get in a 6 miler though today that felt a little better so hopefully I can now gradually get back to running 25 miles per week and get back in the swing of things.

Friday, May 21, 2010

My knee seems to slowly be getting better. I think that getting on some soft trails will help with the discomfort. I am heading to beautiful San Diego this weekend and I am stoked at the thought of getting to run along the Pacific. I will post, possibly from there, and recant my stories for all when I get back on Tuesday.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

So I decided against running at South Mountain today because I may be able to get a good mountain run in when I go north to a town called Jake's Corner up in rim country tomorrow. So I ran along the canal in Mesa in the sweltering 92 degree weather. I must admit that I was not used to the heat whatsoever and it showed immediately. I was drained about a half mile into the run and decided that my ambitious 5 miles was gonna be only 3 today. Also, I am experiencing some knee soreness in my left knee right above the knee cap that has been there for a few days now and seems to be getting worse by the hour. I dont know just yet if I banged it on something or if its from overuse but the next few days should be interesting to see if the pain subsides or if it sticks around. I will keep it posted. I am hoping to have pics from tomorrows trip to the north so I will definitely post them.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

I will make this quick because Im in a hurry. Ran an easy 2 on the treadmill. Hip on left side is giving me some problems that hopefully dissolves but other than that just ran a few because I didnt want to put too much strain on my hip. Should be fine tomorrow.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

I decided to run a longer run with variations thrown in so that I can get better at running at the inclines that will challenge me when I run on the technical trails. I feel I am getting better at my stamina when it comes to hitting the hills whereas in the recent past I had some problems with my breathing, etc. I really am psyched to get to some more colorful trails this summer for sure so this will definitely help. Good run, good time, feel good.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Three easy miles on the treadmill with a pretty tough first mile with a 6.0 incline. I really want to get more conditioned at running the hills and running in a more physical manner if I really would like to run more in the trails. Overall, I was happy with the run and look forward to more hills as opposed to the same ol' flat surfaces of my past.

Some pics from my run at South Mountain Park. As you can see it was another hot day in the desert with not much shelter but I was able to find some in an abandoned ranger station situated in the middle of the canyon bed. The terrain was tough in some patches and the run was mainly uphill but it kept me awake and was good all in all.

After spending 15 minutes trying to find the entrance into the park that everyone said was "just at the end of Guadalupe Road. It pretty Much dead ends there!", I finally made it into South Mountain Park but this time from the Guadalupe/East end entrance. I must say that it is definitely easier to reach it by the 24th street entrance but anyhow, after strapping on my water belt which I figured I needed because the temperatures were by this time in the mid 90's, I found my way to the park map and mapped out a 4.2 mile stretch that sliced up and down through the east end. I knew that the heat would limit me today so I set out with a goal of about 45 min's of running. I must say that the trails on this end for the most part have a better running surface than the ones on say National Trail in the central portion of the park so that made the run a little easier for some portion. One difference on this side of the park is the trails just seem to jut off in all directions at almost every step it seemed. I kept telling myself to not get lost inside the deep canyons especially with only 20 ounces of water on me. Luckily I stayed on track. There was a lookout which I dont have the name on just yet that served as sort of a summit of sorts for the run, which I got to high above the canyon walls and this lookout was preceded by a steady climb up steep singletrack of what seemed like about 10-12 minutes. I was very pleased with my navigating this since it was no easy task and even took some snapshots at the top of it. The trail was loaded with mountain bikers, walkers, and runners which came as a suprise considering how hot it was but in all there were no complaints on my part. I would like to run this area a little more so I should be back here in not too long.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Three very slow miles on the treadmill. I didnt want to push it with any reasonably high pace since yesterdays run did a number on my ankles and knee with all the rocky terrain and elevation gain, so I just kept it easy. It was a nice run, legs feeling great.

Today I ran at South Mountain for a few miles with my friend Nate. It was quite a challenging run that had a little technical as well as vertical, elevated stretches that definitely left me winded in the end. I took a right at the "Y" atop Two Peaks at the top of the Mormon Trailhead and took the Mormon Loop trail this time around instead of my usual run up through National Trail. It was well worth the changeup because it was a beautiful pathway with alot of steep climbs and narrow singletrack trails. I even came across a pretty good size coyote atop one of the first accents, he looked, smiled and went on his way. Nathan and I wanted to get in a good few miles to be back down for the Suns game so I had to cut it a little short but it ended up being very effective and it was a great time in the 98 degree weather.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Here is another blog to follow from Anton Krupicka. His blog is so straightforward and detailed that it is a must for anyone interested in following a much traveled competitive runner. Enjoy, I think you will.

Ran 6 hard miles on the treadmill today that had me feeling pretty good considering I was pushing it somewhat. I really felt good but I know that I need to start eating better with both more carbs and better hydration without sugars. I know what I need to do and I just gotta do it. I am happy so far with my first few days and am looking to run the mountain tomorrow so I should have pics available tomorrow night. I checked on Anton Krupicka and his results in the Miwok 100K in Marin County, California and sure enough, he won!!! I have been following his daily runs for quite a while now and I was very proud of his win. Good job.

Here are some snaps from Papago Park on Sunday. There were some scenic views like the shot through the rock of the Phoenix Zoo and surrounding Phoenix. Also a couple shots of the canal heading into Tempe, and a makeshift hut smack dab in the middle of nowhere. It was a nice run nonetheless.

My run today was at Papago Park in Tempe. It's nestled between Sky Harbor Intl. Airport and the city of Scottsdale. It felt good to actually get out and run the trails again which this run had, and get some sun and fresh air running through the lungs. It was not too hot, probably 78 or so, so the run could of been extended even longer had I wanted it to. I ran for a little under an hour and my run took me through short up and down packed trails and over rock formations that protrude like monuments in the desert, as well as part of the run leading through a frisbee golf course that seemed to lie in the middle of nowhere. It was a good run that was both scenic and somewhat adventurous since I had no idea where I was for a portion of the run which made it more of an adventure. I seen multiple lizards, ground squirrels, and even a jackrabbit but I was unable to get a snapshot of him which left me a little disappointed. I will post the pics on my next post so you can get an idea of the adventure. I am looking forward to the runs this month.